Home Care Instructions:

After Root Canal Therapy or Endodontic Retreatment

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

After Endodontic Surgery

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal.

Reduce your activity as much as possible, avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking for several hours following your procedure. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot which is necessary for proper healing. Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following anesthesia or if a "black and blue" bruise should appear at the site of injection

                               Follow the simple instructions below for minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery:

To Control bleeding:

Immediately following your procedure- Keep a steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze pad placed there by your treating Endodontist. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a blood clot. Gently remove the compress and replace it with a fresh folded gauze pad every one-half hour, or as needed. 

After 24 hours- some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, resme use of sterile gauze pads. 

After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene. Avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen the blood clot.

Eight hours after the bleeding has stopped, rinse your mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonfull of salt disolved in a glass of lukewarm water. Repeat every two to three hours. 

To Relieve pain:

​Immediately following your procedure- begin taking your medications as directed by Doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Application of an ice pack can also help relieve discomfort

To Minimize swelling:

Apply ice pack over the affected area. (15 minutes on 15 minutes off) as needed.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately.

 
Should you have an emergency, please call our office. If we are not available, your endodontists personal phone number will be listed on our answering machine. Please contact them if you have an emergency that cannot wait until regular office  hours.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 262-782-2227